Getting going again

Many apologies for anyone who pays attention to this thing. The last few months have been crazy and I feel like I'm on a plane once a week and haven't been able to make much time for upkeep. Since February I've been from India to the United States and lots of place in-between (think Asia).

Here are some pictures from Vietnam. I'm on my work computer and do not have the ones that I took - these were from friends on the same trip, who happen to be better photographers anyhow.

India for a week

I was there about a year ago, same place - and this is shortly after returning from the Peace Corps. I thought to myself then, wow, this place is neat. After a year living in a nice condo and nice hotels, my judgment was much harsher.

Let me say, the food was still amazing. The chaos there beats anything I've seen. The space between me in my 5 star hotel and the slum is literally the smallest anywhere you can go I believe. You see these kids with bright beautiful smiles covered in grime and dirt knocking on your window for money and they go back to the hut they sleep in right beside the guarded entrance to the hotel. Trash, dirt, animals of every sort, and people...everywhere.

At one point we missed our exit on the freeway, so my driver, hired by my company, turns around and then we go the opposite direction on a 3 lane highway for about a mile. But, we went down on the shoulder...though there was another car coming the same way on that same shoulder, not to mention bikes, food stalls, and people. Probably the most uneasy I've felt in awhile...reminded me of passing cars around blind-side curves in Peru with honking being your fail-safe.

I had a great time though - I was there for work, it was a successful trip, and I got to see the Taj Mahal, attend my company's annual big blowout bash, and see the party-life in Delhi.
Much love,
Jake

They don't even have shrimp in Australia

They're called prawns...not shrimp. So where does that phrase come from (shrimp on the barbie)? No idea.

I had a great time in Australia...One of the top employment attraction drivers for Australians is good work-life balance - and it showed. I was impressed by their easy-going attitudes and all the great legs everywhere. Though, they aren't too happy about drunk people being in their bars...so our group got kicked out of a few places (this may surprise you, but it wasn't because of me!). I got quizzed by every doorman...how much have you had to drink? When was it? What was it?

I went there for work - stayed the weekend for a music festival. Good times all around...though I left exhausted and only had a 6 days before I took off for India. I even got an work-related award!

For work, we rented out a boat and spent an afternoon on a booze-cruise. I also was able to meet up with a buddy I knew while I lived in Peru.

Thanks for reading.
Much love,
Jake

Japan, Australia, India...in one month

And I didn't take any official days off work...how's that! Well, I was in Japan for pleasure, but we had 4 days off for Chinese New Year. Then off to Sydney for work, where we have our APAC Headquarters (though the 'HQ' is moving to Singapore). We had our 2011 kick-off...and when everyone is in the same city, lots of boozing ensues. The past week I was in India for more work functions and took the weekend to see how Delhi gets down, and check off the Taj Mahal.

Here are some pics from Japan..which is a fascinating place. I just got the feeling walking around there that they are all playing on the same team. Where in China they are pretending like they are playing on the same team, but they're apathetic towards the team. Singapore isn't really playing, they're just caddying. Vietnam you feel the ambition in the air...like they are all in try-outs, wanting to make the team. India, well, they can't really play because they are all looking for a way to be the coach. That's the best way I could describe it. I'm not too sure about my reflections other than Japan as I just made those up now...but I recall walking around Japan thinking it feels like they're all playing on the same team, which was motivating.

Japanese were polite...verging on friendly. The girls dress like seductresses. The food made me want to eat all day. The "maid cafes" were disturbing that they're in business and people pay lots of money for bad food/drinks just to sit around in what feels like an elementary school. The bars/clubs were a maze. The bullet trains made me want to slap America for not already having high-speed rail throughout the country - really America?? Really? Falling far behind indeed. Let's at least borrow money from China for cool shit...

I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka - all fabulous places. There is a saying for those who have visited a lot of cities...that they all seem the same. Not Tokyo. Tokyo is in a different league.

Much love,
Jake

Guess which is what

Okay...here's an easy game to play: Guess which is what picture...ready...set...go!

1. This is a guy pushing a dog in a stroller in Singapore.
2. Grandpa DeBerry
3. An entrance to a club I went in Japan...had a crazy night out till 4am.
4. Singapore, earlier today.
5. My roommates and leftover guacamole.
6. An aerobics class that happens in the plaza outside my building on Wednesdays, full of old Asian women.
7. The Japanese restaurant from the infamous fight scene of Kill Bill.